Positioning device for applying an object to a grinder at pre-determined angles

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of a device for positioning an object to be ground independent of the grinding tool having an armature shaft (102) for holding an object, mounted by means of an armature (114) and armature collar (124) and attached to a mast (110), which is attached to a base (138). The armature shaft (102) is used to position the object to be ground at a face angle determined by the combination of the vertical positioner (126) length of the armature (114) relative to the surface of the independent grinding tool. The rotational angle of the object to the grinding tool is set and can be repeated as needed by the indexed angle selector (118) and the keyed receiver (116).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent Application No. 62/762,345, filed May 1, 2018 by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND Prior Art

Pat. No. Class Issue Date Patentee 3,940,888 451/389 1976 Mar. 2 Wain 4,955,162 451/279 1990 Sep. 11 Jackson 5,297,362 451/279 1994 Mar. 29 Wykoff 5,435,774 451/364 1995 Jul. 25 Nanjok 5,454,747 451/66 1995 Oct. 3 Ascalon

Current devices for applying an object to a grinder at pre-determined angles are holistic devices incorporating a faceting arm and grinding surface and are generally built for gemstones—for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,955,162 and 5,297,362. As such, they are expensive, highly precise scientific instruments built for working small pieces. Some faceting arms have been proposed—for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,774. This device allows for very precise manipulation of the object to be faceted but is not free-standing; a larger device is assumed.

Because of the expense and limited work area, artists ands hobbyists often select a stand-alone flat grinder. With this device they work the object by hand. With respect to artists and hobbyists, the current faceting machines suffer from the following disadvantages:

(a) The expense of the machines is a barrier for entry into faceting. The expense is compounded if the artist or hobbyist has already purchased a stand-alone flat grinder.

(b) The current devices are limited in the size of the object that can be ground to relatively small pieces.

(c) The alternative to the available faceting machines is to shape the object by hand on a stand-alone flat grinder. This approach limits the detail, precision and quality of the work that can be done. It can also result in serious injury to fingers.

Summary

In accordance with one embodiment a device for applying an object to a grinder at predetermined angles comprises an independent base, a stable mast, an armature that can set a face angle by adjusting its height and length, a simple method for determining the face angle in clear terms, an interchangeable indexed angle selection body clearly indicating the degree of the facet, a keyed receiver for holding and repeating specific facet angles, and an armature lock that will secure the angle selection body into the keyed receiver.

Advantages

Accordingly several advantages of one or ore aspects are as follows: to provide a relatively inexpensive faceting solution, that allows face angles to be set by both the height and length of the armature, that allows the facet angle to be set and repeated throughout the process of grinding and polishing the object, that can be positioned and used independently with any flat grinder and that will allow free movement over the surface of the grinder. Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

DRAWINGS Figures

FIG. 1 shows the perspective view of the Invention showing the Base, Mast, the face angle indicator of the Vertical Collar, Armature Collar and Armature in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows the perspective view isolating the Vertical Height Mechanism and Vertical Collar.

FIG. 3 shows the cut-away view isolating the Armature Compression Spring and Armature Compression Spring Tensioner.

Drawings-Reference Numerals Reference Numeral Part Name 100 Object connector lock 102 Armature shaft 104 Armature shaft lock 106 Armature shaft sleeve 108 Armature collar tensioner 110 Mast 112 Face angle indicator 114 Armature containment cylinder 116 Facet angle receiver 118 Facet angle selector 120 Facet angle selector lock 122 Armature collar hubcap 124 Armature collar 126 Vertical height positioner 128 Vertical height lock 130 Base tensioner 132 Upper leg housing 134 Base leg 136 Leg stabilization foot 138 Base 140 Base housing 142 Armature shaft holder 144 Base stabilizer foot 200 Upper vertical collar sleeve 202 Vertical collar cap 204 Vertical collar 206 Lower vertical collar sleeve 300 Armature compression spring 301 Compression spring tensioner

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1, 2 AND 3—FIRST EMBODIMENT

The mast is fitted through a hole in the base and through the base housing. The Base Tensioner is threaded onto the mast and is tightened against the upper leg housing. The four Legs are fitted into leg stabilization feet.

The vertical height lock is threaded onto the mast, with the vertical height positioner above it. The user sets the vertical height positioner in the desired location on the mast and then tightens the vertical height lock against the vertical height positioner so that it remains stationary while the art piece is ground. The vertical sleeves are press fit into the vertical collar, and the entire assembly is slipped snugly onto the mast and rests on the vertical height positioner. This allows rotation around the mast as the art piece is worked across the surface of the grinder.

The armature collar is attached to the vertical collar by means of sliding the axle bolt, which is encapsulated by the vertical collar through the bearings, which are encapsulated in the armature collar. The armature collar is held onto the axle bolt by means of a lock washer and the nut contained in the armature collar hubcap. The bearings and axle allow the art piece's face to be positioned smoothly onto the grinder at the desired angle. The angle indicator on top of the armature collar points to the face angle indicator. The face angle indicator is press fitted onto the vertical collar.

The armature housing is held in compression by the armature collar and the armature collar tensioner. A groove in the armature housing slips into a key in the armature collar to keep the armature housing from twisting while working the art piece.

On one end of the armature housing, the armature shaft sleeve is press fit onto the end of the armature housing. This is used to correct any blemishes in the end of the armature housing and gives the armature shaft lock a level compression surface. The armature shaft lock is rotated onto the armature shaft and is tightened against the armature shaft sleeve. The art piece connector lock is threaded onto the end of the armature shaft.

The facet angle selector receiver is press fit onto the armature housing. A key in the facet angle selector receiver's armature housing recess ensures the armature housing does not twist while working the art piece. A compression spring is attached to one end of the armature shaft. The unattached end of the compression spring rests against a washer installed on the inside wall of the facet angle selector receiver. The armature shaft protrudes through a hole in the wall of the facet angle selector receiver.

A nut and threaded connector are positioned on the armature shaft protruding from the facet angle selector receiver. The facet angle selector slides over the threaded connector. The facet angle selector lock, which encapsulates a nut, is threaded onto the end of the armature shaft and compresses the facet angle selector onto the threaded coupler. A key in the facet angle selector receiver fits into grooves placed in the facet angle selector associated with the angle indicated on the body of the facet angle selector.

Operation—FIGS. 1, 2, 3

An object is affixed to a “dop” (a threaded coupler) using an adhesive. The dop is then threaded onto the jig's armature shaft and locked in place with the object connector lock.

The face angle is selected using the armature collar tensioner, vertical height positioner and vertical height lock. The vertical height positioner raises or lowers the vertical collar and armature collar. The armature collar tensioner can be loosened to allow the armature shaft to slide forward or back through the armature collar. These two actions are used to select the face angle of the art piece against the grinder. The face angle is indicated by lining up the indicator on the top of the armature collar with the desired angle as shown on the face angle monitor mounted on the vertical collar. Once the desired face angle is set, the armature collar tensioner and the the vertical height lock are tightened.

The facet angle is selected by loosening the armature shaft lock until the facet angle selector can be pulled out of the facet angle selector receiver. The facet angle selector is then rotated to the desired facet angle as noted on the facet angle selector. When the desired angle is selected, the spring-loaded armature shaft pulls the facet angle selector into the facet angle selector receiver, with the facet angle selector receiver key holding the armature shaft securely at the selected facet angle. The armature shaft lock is then tightened against the armature shaft sleeve to keep the armature shaft from moving while the art piece is being ground. When the facet has been ground adequately using the selected grit disk, this step is repeated to select each of the desired facet angles for that face.

If multiple faces are to be ground, the armature collar tensioner, vertical height positioner and vertical height lock are used to set the next face angle as described in the paragraph on selecting the face angle. Each facet angle of the face are selected and ground as described in the paragraph on selecting the facet angle. Once all faces and facets have been ground and polished, the faceting of the art piece is complete.

Each facet angle selector has a discrete number of possible angles. Multiple facet angle selectors are provided, so a different set of angles can be used to facet an art piece. To exchange facet angle selectors, remove the facet angle selector lock by twisting it off the armature shaft, slide the installed angle selector off the armature shaft, slide the new angle selector onto the armature shaft and re-thread the facet angle selector lock onto the armature shaft.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of some embodiments of my faceting jig become evident:

(a) The manufacture and construction of the faceting jig can be done economically enough to provide an accessible price point for the artist/hobbyist.

(b) The use of degrees on the angle selector provides a clear and obvious method of designing and selecting facets.

(c) Because the jig is independent of the grind wheel, it can be moved to work with multiple tools.

Conclusions, Ramifications and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will see that the faceting jig will provide an affordable entry point for artists and hobbyists to be able to facet objects. The mobility of the faceting jig allows function with multiple tools. Further, the faceting jig provides an accessible interface, including:

-   -   allowing changes to both height and armature length as means to         set the face angle;     -   setting repeatable facet angles using the angle selector;     -   allowing swappable angle selectors to provide a wide range of         facet angles.

List of Parts (130-301) Part Number Part Description 100 A lock bolt used to secure the dap holding the object to be ground. 102 A threaded rod supported by the armature shaft lock (104) and facet angle selector receiver (116). Connected to the shaft is a spring mechanism, which acts in compression against the inside wall of the facet angle selector receiver (116). This allows the facet angle selector (118) to be retracted and the shaft rotated in order to select another facet angle. A portion of the rod is affixed with a hexagonal section, which provides a slip-fit mounting point for the facet angle selector (118). 104 A nut is captured within a hexagonal body. A cylindrical appendage protrudes from the hexagonal body, which provides a compression fit into the armature containment cylinder (114). Blocks protruding from the hexagonal body toward the cylindrical appendage dissipate the force of compression when the encapsulated bolt is tightened, seating the facet angle selector (118) into the facet angle receiver (116). 106 A circular crown that fits over the armature containment cylinder (114) to ensure the armature shaft lock (106) has an even compression surface 108 A bolt passing through the armature collar (124) and into an embedded nut that allows the armature collar (124) to be loosened such that the armature containment cylinder (114) can slide forward and back to aid in positioning the object to be ground. 110 A threaded rod anchored to the base (138) that provides a stable, vertical platform for the armature. 112 The face angle indicator press fits onto the vertical collar (204). Legs support a curved surface embedded with marks indicating each angle from 0-90 degrees. 114 A solid, hollow body that serves at mount points for the armature shaft lock (104), the armature collar (204) and the facet angle selector receiver (116). A groove runs 80% of the length of the cylinder from the back and fits the keys in the armature collar (204) and the facet angle selector receiver (116) to keep the armature from twisting. 116 A conical body used to connect the armature body (114) to the facet angle selector (118). A keyed socket provides a press fit for the armature body (114). The back of the keyed socket acts as a base for the armature shafts (102) compression spring, The other side of the body flares out into a hollow recess with a key, which is the angle selection and locking mechanism for the facet angle selector (118). 118 A conical body with grooves for each of the angles allowed, with the degree for each groove imprinted in the body. The front half of the body has a hexagonal recess, which provides a locked slip fit onto the hexagonal portion of the armature shaft (102). The recess continues through the body as a circular access for the armature shaft (102) and ends in a conical depression. The body is locked into place using the facet angle selector lock (120), which fits into the conical depression at the rear of the body. By releasing the facet angle selector lock (120), this body can be removed and replaced with another facet angle selector (118) with a different set of angles prescribed. 120 A nut is captured within a conical body that leads to an octagonal body, which can be affixed to the armature shaft (102). The conical portion of the body provides a compression fit into the conical recess at the rear of the facet angle selector (118), securing it onto the armature shaft (102). 122 A nut is captured within a conical body that attaches to the vertical collar axle (204) running through the armature collar (124). 124 Two bearings are captured within a hexagonal housing, which mount onto the vertical collar axle (204). On top and 90 degrees opposed to the bearing housing is the upper housing, which grasps the armature containment cylinder (114). The upper housing is hexagonal and split along one side. A key runs along the bottom of the housing, which fits into the groove of the armature containment cylinder (114). A line is placed across the top of the upper housing, which is used to point at the face angle indicator. 126 A nut is captured in an octagonal body with a conical top and rotated on the mast (110), which provides a base for the lower vertical collar sleeve. This is done to set the position of the vertical collar (204), which then sets the face angle of the armature with respect to the grinding device. 128 A nut is captured in an octagonal body and rotated on the mast (110) , which provides a lock for the vertical height positioner (126). 130 A nut and washer are captured in an octagonal body and rotated on the mast (110) directly onto the upper leg housing (132), which puts the base housing (140) into compression, securing the mast (110). 132 A body with four protruding, recessed cylinders used to provide upper support for the four base legs (134). The upper portion of the body is a flat surface used as a contact point for the base tensioner (130). The bottom has a cylindrical recess used as a press fit mounting point for the base housing (140). 134 Four occurrences of a shaft running from the upper base housing (132) to a leg stabilization foot (136). 136 A pedestal with a hollow, cylindrical projection used as a press fit receptacle for the base leg (134). The pedestal has a cylindrical hole used to secure the body to the base (138). 138 A platform upon which the base stabilizer foot (144) and the four leg stabilization feet (136) are attached. A hole in the base provides access for the mast (110). 140 A hollow cylinder connecting the base stabilizer foot (144) and the upper base housing (132). The body provides a strong, stable stand for the mast (110) when under compression. 142 A cylindrical body with tabs used to place the end of the armature shaft (102) when not in use. The tabs have holes used to mount the body to the base (138). 144 An octagonal body with a hollow, cylindrical protrusion used as a press fit connection for the base stabilizer leg (140). The body has four holes used to mount to the base (138). 200 A tapered, cylindrical body with a hexagonal protrusion at the bottom. The body contains a cylindrical recess for the mast (110). The hexagonal protrusion is press-fitted into the vertical collar (204). 202 A cylindrical body that press fits into the back of the vertical collar. 204 A hollow, cylindrical body with hexagonal recesses on the top and bottom to provide press fit access for the upper vertical sleeve (200) and lower vertical sleeve (206). The mast (110) passes through the body. A cylindrical protrusion with a hexagonal recess and cylindrical hole are used to mount the axle, which is used to attach the armature collar (124). 206 A tapered, cylindrical body with a hexagonal protrusion at the bottom. The body contains a cylindrical recess for the mast (110). The hexagonal protrusion is press-fitted into the vertical collar (204). 300 Compresion Spring for seating the Facet Angle Selector (118) into the Facet Angle Receiver (116). 301 A nut and washer secured to the Armature Shaft (102) to tension the Armature Compression Spring (300) against the internal wall of the Facet Angle Receiver (116). 

1. A method for holding an object to be ground independently of the grinding tool, comprising: a) a base that permits stably mounting to a surface, b) a mast mounted to said base, c) a vertical collar mounted to said mast and capable of: a) moving vertically along said mast, b) being secured in place on said mast, c) rotating freely about the mast d) an armature collar secured to said mast by said vertical collar allowing rotation parallel to said mast, e) an armature held by said armature collar and capable of: a) sliding through said armature collar to a to allow selection of armature length, b) being secured in place by the said armature collar when said length is reached, f) an armature shaft for attaching an object to be ground contained within said armature, g) an angle selector mounted to said armature that allows preset angles to be set and repeated.
 2. The faceting jig of claim 1 wherein an object may be positioned a) on the surface of a flat grinder, while remaining independent of the flat grinder; b) in such a way that the face angle of the object against the said flat grinder is secured by: a) the height of the said vertical collar above the flat grinder grinding surface; b) the length of the said armature, controlled by the said armature collar; c) in such a way that the said angle selector and armature lock sleeve are used to rotate and secures the degree of the object in the plane of the said face angle. 